Keywords: US Navy 030313-N-8933S-001 Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate Louis K. Peterson gives the launch signal to an AV-8B II Harrier assigned to the ^ldquo,Black Knights^rdquo, of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264).jpg en Atlantic Ocean Mar 13 2003 -- Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate Louis K Peterson gives the launch signal to an AV-8B II Harrier assigned to the Black Knights of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 HMM-264 from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima LHD 7 HMM-264 is part of the Aviation Combat Element ACE for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit MEU Special Operations Capable SOC embarked aboard USS Iwo Jima The AV-8B II is a second generation vertical/short takeoff and landing V/STOL light-attack jet aircraft utilized by the Marine Corps The primary mission of the Harrier is to provide responsive close air support for ground forces Iwo Jima is home ported in Norfolk Va and is on deployment supporting missions under Operation Enduring Freedom U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate 3rd Class R J Stratchko RELEASED 2003-03-13 030313-N-8933S-001 Navy http //www navy mil/view_image asp id 5185 U S Navy photo by Photographer s Mate 3rd Class R J Stratchko PD-USGov-Military-Navy Aboard USS Iwo Jima LHD-7 AV-8B Harrier II US Marine Corps |